Talent Agencies in British Columbia

The British Columbia Employment Standards Act and Regulation set out minimum working conditions for all workers covered under provincial labour laws. Along with these general provisions, certain sectors are subject to specific regulations that only apply to them.  Sections 38 and 38.1 of the Regulation set out the specific provisions that apply to talent agencies in British Columbia.

"Talent agency" means a person or company who, for a fee, engages in the occupation of offering to procure, promising to procure, attempting to procure or procuring employment for actors, performers, extras or technical creative film persons.

"Technical creative film person" includes film directors, directors of photography, production designers, art directors, persons involved in writing or rewriting scripts, hair stylists, make-up artists, costume designers, or animal coordinators involved in the production of a film, video, television show or television commercial.

Provisions that apply specifically to talent agencies include:

• Talent agents in B.C. must be licensed by the Director of Employment;

• Talent agencies fees may not be more than 15 percent of wages;

• Photo fees (up to $25 annually) may only be deducted from actual earnings;

• No other fees may be charged by a talent agency.

For more information, please contact the Employment Standards Branch:

250 - 4600 Jacombs Rd
Richmond, BC V6V 3B1
Telephone: 604 660-4946

Employment Standards Information Line:1 800 663-3316

In addition to specific provisions for talent agencies, B.C. also has rules for children in film.